UKRAYNA KRİZİ VE AB'NİN ENERJİ POLİTİKASINDA KAYMA: RUS DOĞALGAZINDAN EKONOMİK RİSKLER VE STRATEJİK ÖZERKLİK ARASINDAKİ DENGE

This paper examines the factors underpinning Russia's historical dominance in the European Union's (EU) natural gas market and the subsequent sharp decline in Russian exports following the 2022 Russia-Ukraine conflict. The EU's ambitious policy of achieving zero Russian gas imports, a direct response to the geopolitical crisis, is analysed, considering both the potential economic benefits of energy independence and the associated risks, including energy shortages, price volatility, and the possibility of economic recession. The study concludes by exploring mitigation strategies and alternative energy sources to facilitate a transition to energy independence while minimizing economic disruption.